FIFA has imposed an immediate suspension on the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) due to governance irregularities linked to the election of a management body that does not meet FIFA regulations.
This suspension reportedly relates to the establishment of an ad hoc committee that has taken control of Fecofoot, formed by Sports Minister Hugues Ngouelondele to be in charge of the federation.
As a result, all FECOFOOT-affiliated teams and clubs are now prohibited from participating in international competitions until further notice.
The suspension has significant ramifications for Congolese football.
Additionally, Congolese clubs will be absent from the quarter-finals of this season's CAF inter-club competitions.
FIFA has outlined strict conditions that must be met before the suspension can be lifted:
- Restoration of Full Control – FECOFOOT must regain complete control of its headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre, and all other federation facilities.
- Financial Integrity – Any attempts to alter the signatories of FECOFOOT's bank accounts must cease, with financial control returning to those recognized by FIFA and CAF.
- Reversal of Unauthorized Decisions – Any legal or administrative measures granting authority to the ad hoc committee over FECOFOOT must be declared invalid.
- Freedom from External Influence – FECOFOOT must be allowed to operate independently, free from third-party interference.
This decision plunges Congolese football into crisis, barring both national and club teams from international tournaments.
In the coming weeks, FECOFOOT and Congolese authorities face the urgent task of resolving the governance crisis to meet FIFA's requirements. Until then, the country's footballing future remains uncertain.
The Congolese national team, known as the Red Devils, was set to play two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, in Tanzania and against Zambia. However, they currently sit at the bottom of Group F.
Pakistan were also suspended.
